From Lisbon to the Algarve

Oh dear, two weeks have passed again. Christmas is really approaching again and has it really been a year since I quit my job and my apartment? I've been living in a bubble for the last few months. Time, what month or what day of the week it was didn't matter at all. How often have we stood in front of the supermarket and not noticed that it is Sunday because the shops in many other countries are also open on that day of the week. I guess that's part of letting yourself go and yes, it feels good. But in the last few days I've thought back and realized with astonishment that time goes by incredibly quickly. And as nice as it is, I notice how the joy of being at home increases a little.

It will soon be time to come home. And that's by no means a negative thing, because I've experienced and seen so much in the last few months, and I've been able to live my dream and travel the way I like. Somehow I'm so fulfilled by traveling that I'm now ready for the next phase in my life and am looking forward to some everyday life. Aaabut one thing was wrong, because I'm still living my dream and can you believe me that I really haven't regretted it for a day? So I'm still enjoying our last few weeks in the beautiful south of Europe and continuing to live in my wonderful bubble. Portugal really fulfills many of my expectations. Nice people, good food and incredibly beautiful landscapes. And isn't it just brilliant not to even think about a winter jacket in November? Oh, it's just wonderful.

We really enjoy the climate here in Portugal, because while winter jackets are popular in Germany, here you can still go out in a T-shirt and shorts. Even though the weather has been very unstable in the last few days and it rains often, it is definitely not cold at a mild 22 degrees. As soon as the sun shines, the temperatures still invite you to sunbathe. By the way, we did that extensively today. The beach we were on was like paradise. But let's be honest, almost every beach here on the south coast of Portugal is.

But let's start from the beginning. I'm beating around the bush again too much, even if the broth is definitely worth mentioning. After spending two days in Lisbon, we continued south along the coast. By the way, Lisbon is also a city worth seeing. In fact, I liked Porto a little better. Why ? The atmosphere in Porto, the hillside location, the rustic, the people, the cute restaurants and cafes on every corner and the really narrow streets. Lisbon is of course bigger, louder, more colorful and definitely an eye-catcher with its cute tram. But I found the overall package in Porto to be a bit better.

Speaking of trams. Thank God they exist in Lisbon. Imagine having to walk up the steep streets with half a liter of sangria and endless tapas in your stomach. With the train, however, it's a much more relaxed experience.

The west coast seemed a little wilder to me. Less people, more wild and, above all, long beaches. We are now on the popular south coast of Portugal in the Algarve region. The region is formed from the entire south coast and a piece of the west coast. A rugged coastline, the most beautiful beaches in Europe, rough bays, great hiking trails and many, many steps. BUT also a lot of tourism. BUT also wonderful - beautiful! I can certainly understand why this coast has been named one of the most beautiful in Europe or even the world.

We got our first impression on a hike along the coast from Luz to Lagos. The first part of the hike was particularly impressive. The path was very natural, wild, deserted and with beautiful views of the cliffs. When we arrived in Lagos the hustle and bustle started and the first hotel beds appeared. The path continued over a footbridge. David said that he remembered his first visit to Portugal a few years ago a little differently. Well, a lot has probably changed here in terms of tourism in the last few years.

I wouldn't say that Portugal is very camper friendly either. To be honest, I was hoping for something a little different. Camping is strictly prohibited in most places. The police check regularly, send people away and those who are unlucky get a fine along the way. Well, as I understand it (the explanation is very unclear) you are allowed to park in parking lots for 48 hours, but you are not allowed to camp, which means you are not allowed to set up a chair or table in front of the car, you are not allowed to extend an awning and you are not allowed to drive on wedges. Okay, no problem, at least for us. But actually the entire coast is exempt from this and is therefore completely forbidden for campers. A few years ago, wild camping was officially allowed in Portugal, unfortunately at some point there were no free parking spaces on the beach for residents, the garbage was piling up and you had to be careful where you step because of, well, piles (not dogs). And I have to say, yes I can understand it and yes there are just too many people who can't behave. That made me think back to New Zealand, not just because there were toilets everywhere there, but because there are clear rules for campers there. If you really want to camp, you have to follow the rules and have peace and quiet. The rules in New Zealand are: the spaces for motorhomes are limited in a parking lot, the camper must have specified equipment, for which you get a visible permit and you can stand in one place for a maximum of 2 days. I wish that was the case across Europe. Speaking of New Zealand. We met two New Zealanders in a parking lot in Portugal. The end result was that David and I sat in their motorhome and chatted for over 3 hours. Yes, the New Zealanders, I just like them and their wonderful openness.

Back to the topic. As always, we do our mix and are sometimes free and sometimes on campsites. The days at the campsite predominate. In the low season they usually only cost 15 euros or less per night.

Over the next few days we will continue to take a closer look at the Algarve, definitely go hiking along the coast again and maybe take a boat trip.

Oh, and another little tip on the side. You can also make pizza in the pan. Works wonderfully. With that in mind, adios!